Negative Messages as Strategic Communication: A Case Study of a New Zealand Company's Annual Executive Letter.

Crombie, Winifred; Samujh, Helen

Journal of Business Communication, v36 n3 p229-46 Jul 1999

Analyzes an annual executive letter written by the director of a small New Zealand business which focuses on problems. Shows how these problems serve three functions: to distract attention from more serious issues, to undermine the credibility of potential challengers, and to provide a context in which the writer can present himself and company directors positively as problem solvers. (SR)